The Temuka Leader. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1879.
The hospital in Timaru will soon become famous as an institution erected for ornamental purposes only. It is with feelings of pain that we read in the papers the fact that the Commissioners have notified that the fever w r ard is full, and that at a time when only some twelve or thirteen patients are in it. Vv hat is done with the space that must necessarily be at the disposal of the Commissioners in a building so large as that of the Timaru Hospital is a mystery to ns. What are the public to do when, in the face of such an emergency as the one before them, they are coolly cautioned, through the medium of a pet journal, against sending any more fever sufferers to the hospital ? If twelve patients (in \ time when a disease is prevalent more or less in all parts of the country) from one little town in South Canterbury can exhaust all the space at the command of the Commissioners of this institution, the sooner steps are taken to have it enlarged the better ; for what is to be done with patients from the other outlying districts, who may have no other recour.se but to seek admission to the hospital 1 We are of opinion that the affairs of this institution want looking into by impartial gentlemen, and hope the General Government will cause an enquiry to be made, for one is urgently needed at the present time. Many complaints have reached us lately ;in fact the w r ay in which patients who do get in there are treated is quite a by-word. Different articles of diet have been ordered for different patients by the late medical officer and no notice taken whatever by the steward or nurse to procure them. Everyone seems to do as they like, and then, when a “bogus” inquiry is held, no one appears to be blameable. Such an unfortunate state of affairs in an institution which is meant for tl'e purpose of alleviating the sufferings of those poor unfortunates who have not the means to do so for themselves is a disgrace to a Christian community. It will be within the recollection of our readers that an inquiry of the kind mentioned took place a short time back when an unfortunate man who was afflicted with a severe attack of typhoid fever was put into a straight jacket and left all night in the ward without the slightest attendance, from the effects of which, it is only too true, he died. The outcome of all this was that Dr MTntyre resigned his post as hospital surgeon, and applications were invited for the post of resident surgeon, for which, we believe, a gentleman has been selected by the Commissioners. We are glad of this, for we believe a change was long wanted, as under the past state of management very little notice was taken of patients—they were merely taken in and left to recover the best way they could. We do not believe there was a worse managed institution in any part of the world. However, it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, and we suppose that the facts connected with this man’s death woke up the Commissioners to a sense of their duty. Dr MTntyre resigned, and the latest thing in testimonials is conveyed to the public through the medium of the Timaru press. It is signed by some half-dozen patients, and ought to be valued for the worth of the paper which it is written upon. The recipient has indeed no cause to cherish it from his past line of conduct, but as everybody now-a-days is fully aware of the value of testimonials on paper signed by those requested to do so, it will easily be seen what the object is. Wo trust someone will call the attention of the Government to, and ask their interference in, the matter, for it _is nothing but a gross insult to the public to inform them that some 12 or 13 patients is all that can be accommodated, and “ cautioning ” them to go elsewhere.
A Lively Township. — A storekeeper in one of the Wairarapa townships (says the ‘ Standard’) sold a box of collars for cash a day or two ago. All the other storekeepers in the town were savage with him for taking all the reado money in the place. We would not bo at all surprised if the inhabitants of this township would undertake to support a local paper. Accident to the Tiwaru Crane. —On Monday last (says the ‘ Evening Telegraph’), whilst carrying one of the 30-ton blocks along the line, three cogs of the propelling wheel were broken off, bringing the crane to a standstill. The block was lowered, and about a dozen men with levers attempted to set the crane running, but failed, not a movement being perceptible. R.M. Court.— -At this Court, on Monday, before A. LeG. Campbell, Esq., R.M., E. W. Eadbam was charged by bis wife with having assaulted her on the 2nd instant. Complainant gave her evidence, and the defendant applied for an adjournment, which was granted. Shortly afterwards complainant applied for leave to withdraw the charge, and his Worship granted tire application. Grain. —On Saturday specials were kept running till late at night in order to clear off the accumulation of grain, but, despite the exertions of the authorities, 25,933 bags were still on hand at the various stations. The greatest accumulation was at Waimatc. A Sad Affliction. —-On Monday morning last a man named John Htll, who has been for some time past in the employment of Mr Iv. E. Gray, of this town, proceeded to his work as usual, but bad not long been employed when he was noticed to bo trembling a good deal with his hands. On being asked what was the cause, he replied that he could not tell ; he had never felt that way before. He shortly afterwards fell back on the anvil, completely exhausted. Assistance was at once rendered to him, and Drs Hayes and Gumming discovered that ho was suffering from paralysis, and deprived of speech.- He was afterwards removed to his lodgings, but subsequently taken to the Timaru Hospital, where he arrived on Monday night. Previous to this he always appeared to be in good health. We believe he has a brother in Christchurch. Waitohi Elat School. —A meeting of the committee was held at the schoolroom on Monday, April 7. Present—-Messrs S. Currie, D. Young, J. Young, T. Liston, and D. Hally. In the absence of the chairman (Mr Talbot), Mr Currie was voted to the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A letter dated 20th January, from the Board of Education, was read, informing the committee that the sum of L 7 10s had been paid to their credit for incidentals for the quarter ending 31st March. From same, dated 14th February, stating that the Board had granted a sum not exceeding £2O for repairs to school-house, and asking if the committee wish the Board’s architect to superintend the work ; that no arrangements had yet been made for the supply of gymnastic apparatus ; that new desks would be supplied after the inspector’s visit to the school. From the same, dated 25th March, stating that the sum of £l3 10s had been paid to their credit for teachers’ salaries for the month ending 31st March ; also 10s discount from last month. A memorandum, dated 3rd April, from same, was read, giving the names of ten gentlemen who have been nominated to fill the two vacancies in the Board of Education caused by the resignations of the Rev W. Gillies and James Granger, Esq., and asking the committee to record their votes in favor of two of those gentlemen. It was resolved that the chairman write to the Board of Education to state that it is their wish to have the repairs to the school done under the superintendence of their architect, and that two members of the committee meet him at the school re repairs ; that Mr J. Young and Mr Mahan bo appointed to classify books for prizes ; that the committee meet on the first Monday in each month; that three copies of the Education Ordinance be applied for for the use of the members, and that Mr J. Young be appointed visiting member for the ensuing month. The teacher stated the average entitled the school to a pupil teacher, and that one should be applied for. The meeting then terminated.
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Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 135, 9 April 1879, Page 2
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1,437The Temuka Leader. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1879. Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 135, 9 April 1879, Page 2
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